In a significant move to promote tourism journalism and facilitate on-ground reporting from Nepal’s trekking trails, Unique Adventure International Pvt. Ltd. has provided essential trekking equipment to the Lumbini Tourism Media Academy. The handover program took place at the company’s office in Kathmandu.
Managing Director of Unique Adventure International and former president of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), Khum Bahadur Subedi, handed over 15 raincoats and five trekking sticks to support journalists preparing to embark on a trekking assignment. The gear was specifically provided to enhance the Academy’s upcoming expedition to Langtang Valley from June 3 to 7, organized in collaboration with the Bagmati Province Ministry of Tourism.
Subedi emphasized that journalists play a critical role in the exploration, documentation, and promotion of Nepal’s diverse tourism destinations, particularly trekking routes. “It is important to equip journalists with the right tools so that they can effectively study and report on Nepal’s trekking trails. Their fieldwork and research help highlight areas that are often overlooked,” he said.
He also expressed his appreciation for the Academy’s commitment to genre-specific journalism, especially in the tourism sector, which he noted has not been given due priority in recent times. “Tourism is the backbone of Nepal’s economic growth, and the media sector must give it the attention it deserves. We, in the private sector, have always worked hand-in-hand with journalists to boost tourism awareness and development,” Subedi added.
Subedi further encouraged journalists to continue publishing news backed by field-based studies and encouraged deeper engagement in research-oriented tourism reporting.
Supporting Media in the Field
The Lumbini Tourism Media Academy has been a key player in fostering tourism-centered journalism. Its upcoming trekking program in Langtang Valley aims to produce impactful stories on the challenges and opportunities of rural tourism, with the goal of informing policy and enhancing destination branding.
Speaking at the equipment handover, Academy President Keshav Sharma highlighted the growing need for cooperation between the government, private sector, and media to revive Nepal’s tourism sector in the post-pandemic era.
“Tourism revival is not possible without collaborative efforts. We are committed to building this bridge between media and the tourism industry. This support from Unique Adventure International is more than a donation; it is a partnership in our shared mission,” said Sharma. He thanked Subedi and the company for their timely support, noting that such initiatives boost the morale of journalists working under challenging conditions.
Langtang Trek: A Platform for Promotion
The selected journalists will be participating in a five-day trek to Langtang Valley, one of Nepal’s most scenic and culturally rich trekking destinations. The region, known for its breathtaking Himalayan vistas and Tamang heritage, also offers opportunities to assess eco-tourism models and post-earthquake recovery progress.
The Academy stated that it will be documenting the journey through multimedia content, news articles, and social media updates aimed at promoting Langtang as a viable destination for both domestic and international travelers.
Promoting Responsible Tourism Journalism
The initiative represents a growing trend of responsible journalism that goes beyond desk reporting. By venturing into remote destinations, tourism reporters can better understand the infrastructure needs, local aspirations, and environmental concerns that shape Nepal’s tourism narrative.
Sharma reiterated the Academy’s long-term commitment to nurturing tourism journalism through workshops, field visits, and collaborative ventures. “We look forward to building stronger networks with tourism entrepreneurs, government agencies, and local communities. Our role is to amplify their voices and stories.”
A Model for Public-Private-Media Partnership
This collaborative act between Unique Adventure International and the Lumbini Tourism Media Academy sets an example of how the public, private, and media sectors can synergize efforts to support tourism revival in Nepal.
As the Langtang trek kicks off this week, the Academy’s team is expected to return with valuable insights and stories that will inform and inspire a wider audience, all while reinforcing the importance of field-based tourism reporting. The initiative not only strengthens Nepal’s tourism narrative but also reaffirms the role of journalism as a tool for sustainable development and destination marketing.
